The reward for information on the June 4, 2009 that destroyed 31 Swallow Street two years ago has been increased to $3,000.
The reward is for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.
The blaze, which also spread to the house next door (see photo below), left Lynn and Leonard Stevens’ daughter and two young grandchildren homeless.
Although the young family was not home at the time of the fire - they were staying overnight at the Stevens - an eight-year-old pet dog, a 12-year-old snake and an aquarium were all lost in the fire.
While the fire was never officially classified as an arson, both the fire department and RCMP described it at the time as suspicious and the police left the file open.
“The person or persons responsible for the arson has never been brought to justice and we believe someone in the Kitimat area has information that will help solve this crime,” Lynn said in announcing the reward increase.
“We are hoping that with the passage of time, loyalties may have diminished and/or someone may want to clear their conscience and come forward with conclusive information at this time,” she added.
Information can be e-mailed to swallowstreetfire@hotmail.com, called in to the local RCMP at 250-632-7111 or relayed anonymously via CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.
In addition to the reward being offered by the family, an additional amount of up to $2,000 may be available through CrimeStoppers.